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30 for 90

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Best laid plans

Well, it’s fair to say my ‘30 for 90‘ plan didn’t go to…err..plan. I started with really good intentions, but it seems that even 30 minutes of structured exercise a day is too much to fit in, which is a bit sad really.

I’ve learned quite a few things though. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how loudly or confidently you state an ambition, that alone doesn’t make it happen! I’ve also learned (been reminded) that I’m really shit at these types of resolutions and I should perhaps be a little more realistic! That said, I’ve also learned that 30 minutes is the perfect exercise length for me, that I actually really enjoy going to the gym straight from work and that even when I haven’t been going to the gym I’ve been more active. This morning, for instance, rather than get the tube I walked from London Bridge station to Farringdon and then up four flights of stairs once I’d got there. I’d never have done that a few months ago, and the stairs didn’t kill me.

So, rather than beat myself up for not sticking to the plan, I’m taking the positives and I’m going to continue to exercise as often as I can. There’s actually still a few weeks to go and I’ve been doing more than I’ve done for years, meaning I’m much more confident to exercise now. I’m definitely going to use the gym on holiday in June. Again, I wouldn’t have even thought that before starting this, so I’m going to build on that. And when I set a huge goal in future, someone remind me that my inner rebel will only stick her oar in and tell me that going to the pub is a much better idea!

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Day 2: Wheels keep turnin’

Woke up this morning feeling a bit achy in the neck and mid-back, but to be honest, the continually brutal jet lag is far worse than the workout twinges. I’m also still dehydrated so I remembered to drink lots of water before I actually got the headache today.

Choosing from the list of classes at the gym, we booked the Virtual Cycle – a kind of spin class without an instructor. I was pretty concerned as I know you need to be super-fit to spin, but the idea that there was no one there to shout at me convinced me it would be OK.

After you set up the bike the video starts running on the big cinema screen. ‘Tom’, the virtual studio coach, leads you through a 30 minute cycle, which includes 2 climbs as well as the warm up and down.

I didn’t do any of the hill work, keeping my resistance at zero and concentrating on being able to complete 30 mins. I reckon there’s plenty of time to build up to that! The fist 15 minutes were fine, if not a bit uncomfortable (those saddles are hard!), and minutes 15-20 were the hardest. But just after 20 mins it seemed to get easier, almost like my body and mind were getting in the zone and it felt quite easy to get to the end. Obviously, that’s without any resistance, and an RPM of only about 80, but I was chuffed to finish something I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to do.

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Lauren, Nikki and Madge all did the class with me and once again having people to go with makes it much more fun. We’re already planning tomorrow’s session…I just need to fit it around meetings.

Daily exercise:     Virtual Cycle
Venue:                      City University Gym
Type:                          Cardio
Duration:                30 minutes

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